Progress Illinois

Gates To Keep Defense Post
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has reportedly reached an agreement with President-elect Barack Obama to remain at the Pentagon for the first year of the Democrat’s term. Gates, well respected in Washington and within the military as a non-ideological and decisive leader, has distanced himself from the approach and early war policies of President Bush. The decision would be announced publicly when Obama unveils his national security team next week.

Obama Vows To Cut Wasteful Spending
Upon appointing Peter Orszag, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, to head the White House’s Budget office, Obama pledged to limit federal spending once the economic crisis has eased. “We can’t sustain a system,” said Obama, “that bleeds billions of taxpayer dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness or exist solely because of the power of politicians, lobbyists or interest groups.” While he did not offer any other specific targets, he cited farm subsidies as a “prime example of waste.”

Durbin May Push Bush To Pardon Gov. Ryan
Sen. Dick Durbin told reporters Tuesday he is considering asking President George Bush to commute the prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who has served just over two of his 6½ year term for federal corruption. Noting his age (Ryan is 74), his loss of economic security, and his wife’s frail health, Durbin suggested the Republican “has paid a price for his wrongdoing.” Ryan’s wife, Lura Lynn, is hoping he is released by Christmas.

Critics Slam Stroger’s County Budget
Wasting no time, several Cook County commissioners blasted Board President Todd Stroger’s budget proposal minutes after it was released Tuesday, describing it as fiscally irresponsible. Stroger said he will hold the line on taxing and spending, but critics contend that’s impossible without borrowing $740 million through bond issues. To make matters worse, the printed budget books were filled with errors and needed to be reprinted.

Dangerous Toy Warning
Be careful what toys you purchase this holiday season. According to Brian Imus, head of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, toys containing hazardous levels of lead and toxic phthalates still line retail shelves and major consumer protections passed by Congress won’t take effect until 2009.

Cancer Cases Fall For First Time
Thanks to aggressive cancer-prevention and treatment efforts, researchers say the recorded rate of new cancer cases has fallen in the United States for the first time in both men and women. At the same time, the 15-year decline in cancer death rates has accelerated. “What we’re seeing is clear evidence that cancer prevention is working,” said Dr. Therese Bevers, medical director of clinical cancer prevention at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Merrick Brown.